Insider politics from across the State of South Carolina – SCHotline Press Box

Senate Democrats React to Sanford’s Health Care Veto

May 28, 2008

Senate Democrats React to Sanford's Health Care Veto
Columbia, SC - South Carolina Senate Democrats today called on members of
the SC House to override Governor Mark Sanford's veto of increasing the
state's cigarette tax for affordable health care. Democratic Senators
issued the following statements:
Senator John C. Land, III, Senate Democratic Leader said:
"Once again Governor Sanford was given an opportunity to show leadership on
an issue that affects all South Carolinians and once again he has failed.
Signing this bill into law should have been a no-brainer for the governor.
But I guess counting on Sanford doing something logical would be giving him
too much credit."
Senator Joel Lourie of Richland and Kershaw Counties said:
"It's a sad day when the governor of this state puts his own ideology above
the health, well-being, and desires of the people of South Carolina. This
initiative is about fighting cancer, saving lives and preventing young
people from becoming tobacco users. We hope our friends in the House will
override this veto and the Senate will do the same."
Senator Darrell Jackson of Richland County said:
"It really is frustrating to see something that would have helped so many of
our citizens get stopped because of one man's personal philosophy. Health
care is an issue that affects us all and this plan would have gone a long
way to creating access to affordable health care for more South Carolinians.
The House needs to step up and override this veto."
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